sorry about vs sorry for (Murphy Additional Exercises, Prepositions)
Pattern
Section titled “Pattern”sorry about = acknowledging a situation/event (apology or sympathy for what happened). sorry for = pity for a person, or apology for a personal action.
- I’m sorry about that. ✓ (acknowledging the changed plans)
- I’m sorry about the mess. (apologizing for the situation)
- I feel sorry for her. (pity)
- Sorry for being late. (apology for my action)
The three uses
Section titled “The three uses”| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sorry about + situation | acknowledging the unfortunate thing | Sorry about the delay. / Sorry about that. |
| sorry for + person | pity for them | I feel sorry for her. |
| sorry for + action | apologize for what you did | Sorry for interrupting. |
Test application
Section titled “Test application”I’ve had to change my plans… I’m sorry ___ that.
Answer: about — sorry about that = acknowledging the changed situation. The “that” refers to the plan change (a situation), not a person (would be “for”) or a personal action.
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use (4th ed.), Additional Exercises — Prepositions (Units 12, 119-136). Ebot lesson 2026-08-29: “I’m sorry ___ that” → about (situation).